How can I keep a flower sharp in a light breeze while blurring the background?
Asked 6/4/2016
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I want to photograph a flower outdoors with a blurred background, while keeping at least part of the flower sharply in focus. I’m using a 60mm macro lens on a tripod and currently have no flash. The flower is moving slightly in a constant gentle breeze. Timing is flexible, so I can shoot whenever conditions are best. What techniques and camera settings should I use?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
10y ago
2 Answers
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The only thing you need is a fast shutter-speed to freeze the motion. How fast depends on the breeze and magnification but 1/2000s or around that should be good.
Magnification is how big the flower appears in the photo. If you are filling the frame with a flower, then movements will be far more perceptible than if your flower is in the corner at one tenth of the frame.
To get the background to blur you need a wide aperture, Go the widest your lens can do which I think is F/2.8, depending on which 60mm you have. Incidentally, this will also favor a high shutter-speed.
Should you still not have enough light to get a proper exposure, raise the ISO.
Originally by user1620. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1620
10y ago
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To keep the flower sharp, you need to either freeze the motion or reduce it.
Use the widest aperture your lens allows (often around f/2.8 on a 60mm macro) to help blur the background and let in more light. Then use a very fast shutter speed to stop the flower’s movement—something around 1/2000s may be needed, depending on how much the flower is moving and how close you are. If exposure is too dark, raise ISO.
Also try to steady the subject. Even simple methods help: have someone hold the stem, use a clamp/support hidden behind the plant, or block the wind with a bag, chair, or assistant. A tripod helps camera stability, but it won’t stop subject movement.
If you can choose when to shoot, go when there is more light and less wind. More light gives you the option of faster shutter speeds and, if needed, a slightly narrower aperture for a bit more depth of field.
If you later add lighting, flash or reflectors can help, but even without flash, fast shutter speed plus shielding/supporting the flower is the key.
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